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TEAM DATE LOCATION 

TIME/ 

RESULTS 

OREGON Sept. 3 Atlanta, GA W 49-3 

SAMFORD Sept. 10 Athens, GA 4:00pm 

SOUTH CAROLINA Sept. 17 Columbia, SC 12:00pm 

KENT STATE Sept. 24 Athens, GA 12:00pm 

MISSOURI Oct. 1 Columbia, MO TBA 

AUBURN Oct. 8 Athens, GA TBA 

VANDERBILT Oct. 15 Athens, GA TBA 

OFF Oct. 22 

FLORIDA Oct. 29 Jacksonville, FL 3:30pm 

TENNESSEE Nov. 5 Athens, GA TBA 

MISSISSIPPI STATE Nov. 12 Starkville, MS TBA 

KENTUCKY Nov. 19 Lexington, KY TBA 

GEORGIA TECH Nov. 26 Athens, GA TBA 

SEC CHAMPIONSHIP Dec. 3 Atlanta, GA 4:00pm

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GEORGIA VS. SAMFORD 

BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED 

IN THIS ISSUE 

VOLUME 20 NO. 4 

BULLDAWG ILLUSTRATED 

years 

MALAKI STARKS DAZZLING INT WAS A 

DAGGER TO THE DUCKS! 

PHOTO BY: CARTER HORNE 

SPORTS 

BULLDOGS TO WATCH | 14 

DUCKS TO WATCH | 16 

FIVE KEYS | 18 

DAWG BONES | 20 

A VIEW FROM ... SAMFORD | 22 

SOCIAL 

GEORGIA GIRLS: SHANNON LANIER | 24 

UGA VS OREGON GAMEDAY FAN PHOTOS | 27 

BULLDOGS OF THE 4TH ESTATE: 

DINK NESMITH | 32 

MORE SPORTS 

FROM THE FIELD | 42 

STATS THAT MATTER | 43 

JD’S EARLY TOP 15 | 45 

BUTLER’S PLAYERS | 46 

OUR TEAM 

EDITOR: Vance Leavy 

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Cheri Leavy 

MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR: Greg Poole 

CHIEF SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR: Jeff Dantzler 

ART DIRECTOR: Stacey Nichols 

SALES: Caroline Kinney 

SPORTS: Jeff Dantzler, Greg Poole, Coby Serina, 

Bryan Dixon, Clay Watkins 

MULTIMEDIA: Hamilton Culpepper, 

Caroline Schlabach 

PHOTOGRAPHY: Greg Poole, Rob Saye, 

Blane Marable, Carter Horne 

COVER PHOTO: Rob Saye 

COLUMNISTS: Hamilton Culpepper, 

Loran Smith 

DELIVERY: John Cook, Wright Cook, Rob 

Freeman, Anna French, Scarlett French, Flynn 

Kelly, Caroline Kinney, John Kinney, Lynn 

McLanahan, Eleanor Morgan, Henry Morgan, 

James Morgan, Jack Sawyer, Cullen Sewell, 

Henry Stokes, Champ Vance 

ISSUE 4: SAMFORD 

September 7, 2022 

BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED 6 ISSUE FOUR • SAMFORD

1 ST HOME GAME 

AUTOGRAPH SIGNINGS AT 

THE UGA BOOKSTORE 

Saturday, September 10 | 1:30pm – 3:30pm 

VINCE DOOLEY 

Former UGA Head Coach, College Football Hall of Famer, 

UGA Field honoree, and author. 

MALCOLM MITCHELL 

Former UGA standout, Super Bowl Champion, and author. 

BUCK BELUE 

UGA National Championship Great and radio host. 

BOOK SIGNING @ THE 

UGA BOOKSTORE 

APRIL 16th, 10AM-12PM 

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ugabookstore.com | 706.542.3171 

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UGAbookstore.com

FROM THE 

EDITOR 

After a duck hunt that was well over the limit, Bulldawg 

Illustrated and Stetson Bennett want you in Sanford early! 

Despite all the off-field noise that 

surrounded college football this 

VANCE LEAVY 

off-season, we should not have 

EDITOR IN CHIEF 

been surprised that the actual playing of 

the game always prevails. Man, wasn’t week one delectable? 

From Thursday’s Backyard Brawl through the back and forth 

Sunday night thriller down in New Orleans, young studentathletes 

gave their hearts for the university name on the front of 

their jerseys, rather than their own name on the back. 

Without doubt, it was so refreshing to see grit and 

determination trump power and money. And just in case you 

missed it on Saturday in Atlanta, the Bulldog Nation’s fans and 

team absolutely shined in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Classic. 

Dawgs 49 … Ducks 3! 

Where shall we begin? 

Well, as you can see by our terrific cover, we at Bulldawg 

Illustrated give our first nod to Stetson Bennett IV, who dazzled 

with his arm and legs inside The Benz. Perhaps, his 2022 debut 

will finally silence the naysayers? Stetson’s Cheshire grin captured 

by BI’s Rob Saye goes out to those remaining doubters. I actually 

hope some keep questioning No. 13 because it only motivates 

the Blackshear Bulldog to perform at an even higher level. 

And just like those classic Uncle Sam posters encouraging folks 

to join the US Army, we hope you will listen to our/Stetson’s 

request to be in Sanford Stadium early on Saturday versus the 

Samford Bulldogs. After all, it will be the first time the reigning 

national champions Georgia Bulldogs play in front of their 

adoring fans at home. Also, I think we can all agree the product 

on the field appears to be pretty darn good. 

Still, in typical Kirby Smart style, Monday’s noon press 

conference was all business. He spoke of “glaring mistakes” that 

the team got away with. While also pointing out that the Georgia 

D “didn’t tackle the ball well.” Finally my favorite … “Standards 

don’t need motivation.” 

So while most of us were sticking our chests out around 7:30 

pm on Saturday evening, the standards that Coach Smart’s 

program expects fell short versus Oregon. Don’t you love that? 

It’s beautiful to see a football coach, despite all of the NIL, Tranfer 

Portal, etc. changes, still expects the game of football to be 

played exactly how it was meant to be since it’s creation. 

Speaking of the demand for excellence, the proof is in the 

pudding when reading Jeff Dantzler’s column on page 10 that 

discusses the magnificent record Georgia teams have amassed in 

Sanford Stadium the years they won the SEC Championship. 75- 

2-1, translates to a winning percentage of 96.8. Amazing. Enjoy 

the stellar read where JD also hammers down the importance of 

winning games in the state of Georgia and against their biggest 

rivals. 

The above is another reason we implore Georgia fans to get to 

Sanford Stadium early on Saturday. It’s another opportunity to 

notch a victory Between the Hedges, where Kirby Smart’s teams 

have only lost once since 2017. 

Beyond JD’s column, enjoy all of our sports coverage from not 

only the Oregon victory, but also looking to Saturday’s contest 

versus the Samford Bulldogs. Don’t be shocked if Chris Hatcher’s 

offense moves the football. After all, they did score 42 halftime 

points (against the Gators) in The Swamp last season. 

As I mentioned at the beginning of my note, Week One of 

college football was scintillating for the soul. The same could 

be said for the scene at Mercedes Benz Stadium for the Oregon 

game. It was an absolute blast to be back among Bulldog Brethen 

for tailgating and cheering on the Dawgs. You can find our fan 

photos from the victory on pages 27-36. 

Our social coverage continues with our Georgia Girls feature 

(page 24) with Shannon Gentry Lanier from Augusta. What’s not 

to like about a person whose accolades include defending Aaron 

Murray on the Paul Finebaum show and being mentioned in a 

Clay Travis book? 

And Loran Smith continues our Bulldogs of the 4th Estate series 

(page 32) showcasing Georgia newspaperman, Dink NeSmith. 

Like my family in the Golden Isles, NeSmith and his family 

are committed to bringing a quality local newspaper to the 

communities they serve. And also like my family, there is nothing 

but Dawgs in the NeSmith clan. 

Finally, I want to end with a shout out to our photographers at 

BI. While so many get to enjoy the game simply as fans, these 

guys are on the field working hard for quality images. Then 

comes the not-so-fun part of editing and uploading. So a big 

Bulldog thanks goes to Greg Poole, Rob Saye and our newest 

contributor, Carter Horne. We have so many good shots in this 

issue that I was compelled to add a few more on this page. 

Enjoy this issue and don’t forget that BI and Stetson want you in 

Sanford Stadium early on Saturday. Go Dawgs!! 

CHRISTOPER SMITH 

PHOTO BY: ROB SAYE 

KIRBY SMART 


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The moral of the story, to be elite, it starts with taking care 

of business at home and any other games played in the state 

JEFF DANTZLER 

@jeffdantzlerTV 

There was North Carolina in 1948. 

Houston in 1968. And a heart 

removal and disintegration against 

Auburn in 2005. 

In the Southeastern Conference era, Georgia 

has had 14 teams that have won the league 

and/or national championship. The Bulldogs 

were consensus national champions in 1942. 

Georgia was the undisputed, unanimous 

national champion of 1980 and 2021. It 

should also be noted that the Bulldogs were 

voted No. 1 in at least one poll when going 

11-0 in 1946, and in 1968. The same goes 

for 1927, before the SEC, when a whopping 

22 schools played in a giant Southern 

Conference. We seem to be trending back to 

that size. But I digress. 

The Bulldogs have won the SEC title 13 

times: 1942, 1946, 1948, 1959, 1966, 1968, 

1976, 1980, 1981, 1982, 2002, 2005 and 2017. 

In those 14 fabulous SEC and/or National 

Championship seasons, the Bulldogs 

cumulative record at Sanford Stadium is 75-2- 

1, a winning percentage of 96.8. 

The lone blemishes: 

The 1948 Tarheels handed the Bulldogs their 

lone regular season loss and broke Georgia’s 

school record 17-game winning streak with a 

21-14 victory Between the Hedges. 

In 1968, Georgia had an 8-0-2 regular season, 

tying Houston 10-10 at Sanford Stadium. The 

other tie came in the season opener, when 

the Bulldogs and Tennessee drew 17-17 with 

a lot of bad breaks from the zebras and clock 

operator costing Georgia a victory. 

Auburn hit a crippling fourth down 

conversion with a maddening ending to 

upend the Bulldogs 31-30 under the lights in 

Athens in 2005. I was with the Lady Bulldogs 

basketball team sitting by myself in a hotel 

room in Lubbock, Texas that night. Just 

sickened and saddened. I had to shower right 

after the game. Georgia would rebound, beat 

Kentucky and the Jackets and then upset LSU 

in the SEC Championship Game. 

That’s it, just three blemishes in these 14 

championship seasons. 

It should also be pointed out that Georgia is 14-0 

against the Yellow Jackets in these 14 campaigns. 

In the even numbered years, it was a double, 

beating “the enemy” Between the Hedges. 

The moral of the story, to be elite, it starts 

with taking care of business at home and 

against the in-state arch-rival. That’s the 

beginning, the foundation, the must, of a 

championship recipe. 

Now in Georgia’s case, taking care of 

business in the state has the extra caveat of 

domed stadiums in Atlanta, which have been 

the site of heartbreak and devastation. At 

least one national championship, probably 

two, maybe three, and a 3-6 record in SEC 

Championship Games. And a Sugar Bowl loss 

to West Virginia. New Orleans is the site of the 

second most agony. Penn State. Pitt. 

Like many Bulldogs, I was so delighted that the 

National Championship Game this past season 

wasn’t played in Atlanta or New Orleans. Too 

much heartbreak and heartache. Too many tears. 

Indianapolis is now on my Mt. Rushmore of 

universal towns and cities. The 33-18 victory 

over Alabama for the national championship, 

the crowning moment of the glorious 

Kirby Smart era, has put Georgia on the 

mountaintop. 

Under Smart’s watch, the Bulldogs have 

finished in the top ten and earned berths 

in “Major Bowl Games” for five consecutive 

seasons. Both are firsts in the storied history of 

Georgia football. 

Since 2017, Smart’s second season at the 

helm in Athens, the Dogs are a combined 

18-2 against the Yellow Jackets (4-0), Florida 

(4-1), Auburn (5-), including the 2017 SEC 

Championship Game Bulldogs victory and 

Tennessee (5-0). 

In Smart’s first season of 2016, the Bulldogs 

suffered three crushing losses at home that 

defied belief. All the bad stuff got out at the 

same time. 

Since then, over these past five seasons, 

only once has Georgia lost at home - a 20-17 

overtime upset loss to Will Muschamp’s South 

Carolina Gamecocks in 2019. 

Smart’s Bulldogs are 28-1 at Sanford Stadium 

over the last five years. In the four game 

winning streak against the Jackets, three of 

which have come at Grant Field due to the 

cancellation of the 2020 game, Georgia has 

outscored Tech 180-35. 

Take care of business at home. Take care of 

business against the in-state rival. 

With that foundation, the Bulldogs have 

been terrific on the road, 4-1 against the 

Gators in Jacksonville over the last five years, 

and SEC East champions four times over the 

last five campaigns. 

Three straight SEC Championship Game 

trips from 2017-2019 and four out of five have 

put Georgia and Smart into rarified territory 

that includes only Steve Spurrier’s Florida 

powerhouses of the 1990s, and Alabama in 

the Gene Stallings and Nick Saban eras. 

Elite. 

Georgia has beaten Oklahoma in the Rose 

Bowl and Michigan in the Orange Bowl. 

Epic. 

Smart’s Dogs have twice played for the 

national championship. Slaying that dragon 

on the glorious night of January 10, 2022. 

Incredible. 

Jam-packed Sanford Stadium was the site 

of history five days later, hosting the greatest 

victory party and coronation in college sports 

history. 

Amazing. 

It didn’t take long for the question to be 

asked, when will the Bulldogs do it again? 

That’s the confidence of the Smart era with 

the 2021 National Championship Trophy of 

2021 beaconing so brightly. Not if, not can, 

but when will the Bulldogs do it again? 

It starts at home. 

Saturday afternoon, the most loyal, and 

now joyful fanbase in all the land, will gather 

again, as Smart’s Bulldogs of 2022 get their 

first chance to continue Georgia’s dominance 

at Sanford Stadium, and perhaps take an early 

step on a championship journey. 

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FIVE KEYS PG. 18 

DAWG BONES PG. 20 | A VIEW FROM PG. 22 

SPORTS 

CHRISTOPHER SMITH WAS ONE OF MANY 

FEELING THE LOVE OF HIS TEAMMATES! 

PHOTO BY: GREG POOLE 

GEORGIA VS SAMFORD 

GAME TIME: 4:00 P.M. 

CHANNEL: SEC NETWORK 

GEORGIA VS SAMFORD 

BY: JEFF DANTZLER 

It’s a battle of Bulldogs Saturday afternoon between the 

hedges, as third-ranked Georgia hosts Samford with kickoff 

scheduled for 4 p.m. This is the home opener for Kirby Smart’s 

Bulldogs, the first game at Sanford Stadium since Georgia 

captured the 2021 national championship. 

Both teams check in at 1-0. 

Kirby Smart’s reigning national champions were extremely 

impressive, precise and overwhelming, in a 49-3 victory 

over No. 11 Oregon this past Saturday in the Chick-Fil-A 

Kickoff Classic in Atlanta. Behind stellar offensive line play, 

senior quarterback Stetson Bennett piloted a precise attack, 

completing 25 of 31 passes for 368 yards and two touchdowns 

with no interceptions, while running for another score. Georgia 

scored on its first seven possessions and converted its first nine 

third down conversions. The Bulldogs kept Oregon out of the 

end zone, the first time the Ducks haven’t scored a touchdown 

since November of 2017 against Washington. 

Samford had a couple of extra days to get ready for the 

defending national champions. Hatcher’s Bulldogs beat 

Kennesaw State 27-17 in Birmingham last Thursday night. 

Quarterback Michael Hiers, a junior college transfer, had 

a sparkling debut. He threw for four touchdowns, with no 

interceptions, while completing 18 of 24 passes and tallying 

289 yards. His first two scoring passes went to Kendall Watson 

in the second quarter, tying the game and then giving Samford 

a 14-7 halftime lead. In the fourth quarter, with Samford down 

17-14, Hiers threw a pair of touchdowns to Chandler Smith. 

Last season, Samford grabbed a lot of attention by scoring 42 

first half points at Florida. The Gators would eventually win 70- 

52, but Samford certainly threw Florida a scare. You can count 

on that this has been mentioned by Smart to his team all week. 

Across the field from Smart, on the Samford sidelines, 

will be Chris Hatcher, head coach for the Bulldogs from 

Birmingham since 2015. One of the most decorated high 

school and college football players in the history of the state 

of Georgia, Hatcher had a record setting career at Mount De 

Sales High School in Macon and then Valdosta State. When 

Hatcher was just 27 years old, he was named head coach 

at Valdosta State in 2000. Amongst his assistant coaches 

- Smart and current Georgia co defensive coordinator Will 

Muschamp. Hatcher led Valdosta State to the 2004 Division II 

National Championship, the highlight of a highly successful 

22-year head coaching career. 

Last week it was Dan Lanning, this week it’s Hatcher. There is a 

great deal of familiarity between these coaching staffs. 

Georgia and Samford have met once before, with the Athens 

Bulldogs prevailing 42-14 in the third game of the 2017 season. 

That one came in between the famed 20-19 victory at Notre 

Dame and a 31-3 mauling of Mississippi State. Those 2017 

Bulldogs won the Southeastern Conference Championship and 

advanced to the College Football Playoff. This Georgia team 

kept the momentum from last season’s national championship 

rolling against Oregon, and are aiming to do the same thing 

against Samford on Saturday afternoon. 


SPORTS 

FOOTBALL 

BULLDOGS TO WATCH 

CLAY WATKINS 

JAMON DUMAS-JOHNSON (ILB #10)- The inside linebacker 

wrapped up his first start with three total tackles showing numerous 

flashes as to what to expect in future games. “Pop”, as he is called by 

his teammates and coaches has been praised on his leadership all 

offseason, which was apparent when he was on the field versus the 

Ducks. Just a true sophomore, Dumas-Johnson will be ready to explode 

vs a team like Samford where you can expect the statistics to grow. 

JAMON DUMAS-JOHNSON 

LINEBACKER 

PHOTO BY: TONY WALSH 

KENDALL MILTON (RB #2) - After many injuries limited Kendall’s 

season last year, the former five star running back made his presence 

felt with an impressive performance running the ball against Oregon. 

The 6-1, 220 pound, Fresno, California Milton racked up eight carries 

for 50 yards and a touchdown. He also reeled in a catch for 18 yards. 

Against Samford, where the Georgia O will likely keep the ball on the 

ground a fair amount, expect Kendall to display his powerful running 

and continue to build off his impressive Oregon performance. 

MALAKI STARKS (S #24) - Welcome to UGA, Malaki Starks. If you 

didn’t know who the five-star Safety was from Jefferson, Georgia, you 

certainly do now. The true freshman led the team in tackles with eight 

and also made what could have been the defensive play of the year 

with a ridiculous diving interception. Malaki’s minutes are going to 

continue to grow and expect his talent to keep him on the field. 

KENDALL MILTON 

RUNNING BACK 


CHRISTOPHER SMITH 

SAFETY 


MYKELL WILLIAMS (DE #13) - The true freshman and former 

USC commit wrapped up one tackle on his debut with the Dawgs. A 

widely anticipated debut and a player to expect a lot out of this season 

as he already is racking up significant playing time early on vs a top 11 

opponent. Williams should get a hefty number of snaps against Samford 

and don’t be surprised if he ends up in the backfield a time or two. 

CHRISTOPHER SMITH (S #29) - The unquestioned leader of the 

defense looks to continue to improve after a phenomenal start to the 

season. Versus the Ducks, The fifth-year senior was second on the team 

in tackles with six. He also showed off his intelligence by baiting Bo Nix 

into an interception. The ball-hawking safety looks to continue to lead 

this defense from the secondary and rack up more interceptions and 

tackles against Samford. 

ARIK GILBERT (TE #7) - The LSU transfer, after sitting out last 

season for mental health reasons, saw a limited number of minutes 

in his first game as a Bulldog. However, the uber-talented tight end 

from Marietta should get plenty of minutes against Samford. Arik, 

an absolute matchup nightmare, will make his presence known in 

whatever package Todd Monken uses him on Saturday. 

BY JEFF DANTZLER 

When Georgia beat Samford 42-14 in the third 

game of the 2017 season, Nick Chubb ran for 131 

yards and two TDs, while Jake Fromm threw three 

scoring passes, two to Terry Godwin. 

In 2021, Georgia defeated three teams from the 

state of Alabama, besting UAB 56-7 in Athens, 

topping Auburn 34-10 on the Plains, and beating 

Alabama 33-18 in the National Title Game. 

In Georgia’s season and home opener in 1981, the 

defending national champion Bulldogs beat the 

Tennessee Volunteers 44-0 Between the Hedges en 

route to a second straight SEC title. 


IT’S GAME 

DAY BABY … 

It’s SaNford, 

not SaMford! 

David “Mad Dawg” Wilson 

WWW.SANFORDUSA.COM | 478.471.4221 

Watch Live 

Every Tuesday @ 7p on 

& themaddawg.com 

Listen On Demand 

New Episodes each Week! 

SEASON 2 Join THE MAD DAWG for another year of 

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SPORTS 

FOOTBALL 

SAMFORD TO WATCH 

BY COBY SERINA 

CHRIS HATCHER (HEAD COACH) - Coach Hatcher and Coach 

Smart go way back. When Hatcher was named the head coach at 

Valdosta State University in south Georgia, he had hired Coach Smart 

to oversee the secondary. It was Smart’s first coaching job and the 

beginning of an accomplished career. And now that career brings 

him back to face his former boss for the second time as Georgia’s 

head honcho. 

CHRIS HATCHER 

HEAD COACH 

MICHAEL HIERS (QB, #10) - Senior quarterback Michael Hiers’ 

story is logistically quite similar to UGA’s Stetson Bennett. His first play 

was at Murray State, but he eventually took the JUCO route where he 

found his football footing. Now at Samford, he’s won the starting job 

as well as his first game with the Bulldogs. They like to run with him 

a lot, so be sure to keep an eye on him if he finds a way to slip out of 

the backfield. 

JAY STANTON (RB, #20) - As a Florida transplant, his athleticism 

precedes him. In four years of playing college football, running back, 

Jay Stanton has never ran for less than 5 yards a carry. That fact should 

say something about both his skills as a player and just how Samford 

prides itself in its ability to run the ball. In Samford’s most recent 

game against Kennesaw, they turned to him 16 times on the ground 

and he totaled for 90 yards. 

MICHAEL HIERS 

QUARTERBACK 

TY KING (WR, #12) - An all conference player in 2021, Ty King is 

still looking to relive his 2020-2021 season where he amassed over 

600 receiving yards. But that’s not to say he won’t be on pace to do 

that again soon. Samford may use him in more than just the passing 

game though. Against Kennesaw, he rushed for 12 yards, so who’s to 

say what he does against the Dawgs. 

SETH SIMMERS (DT, #99) - Originally from Georgia, defensive 

lineman Seth Simmers has definitely been around the block. From 

Georgia, where he played in high school, he went to Dartmouth to 

play in the Ivy League then transferred to Samford where he serves 

as an anchor in the trenches. At 6-4, 300-pound, Simmers’ size may be 

the key to getting him into Georgia’s backfield. 

NATHAN EAST 

LINEBACKER 

NATHAN EAST (LB, #5) - Fifth year linebacker Nathan East is not 

only the veteran of this defense, but he’s also a tackling machine. Last 

season East tallied up 97 tackles, 7.5 of them were for loss. East was 

playing for Samford when they went against Georgia in 2017, but he 

was only on scout team. Now as a senior he has an opportunity to 

impact the game and play the Dawgs himself. 

PHOTOS BY: SAMFORDSPORTS.COM 


One of Samford’s most famous alumni is actor Tony 

Hale, who, most famously, had a starring role as Byron 

“Buster” Bluth on the beloved Fox Network sitcom 

Arrested Development. 

Samford head coach Chris Hatcher was a record 

setting quarterback at Mount De Sales High School in 

Macon, and then a two-time All-American signal caller 

in college at Valdosta State. 

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart’s father Sonny 

Smart was an outstanding football player at Samford, 

playing from 1968-1970, the final two years as the 

team’s starting center. 


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FIVE KEYS 

FOR A DAWGS VICTORY 

1PRESSURE THE PASSER - Chris Hatcher’s teams will always have 

outstanding quarterbacks. The next in line is junior Michael Hiers. The 

Birmingham native began his career at Murray State, transferred to NW 

Mississippi CC and matriculated to Samford. He got off to a stellar debut in the 

Bulldogs 27-17 season-opening victory over Kennesaw State. Hiers threw for 

two touchdowns, twice bringing Samford back from deficits en route to the win. 

Georgia must make him uncomfortable. You can bet Kirby Smart has reminded 

his team a time or two that Hatcher’s Bulldogs scored 52 points at Florida last 

year. Granted Hiers wasn’t the quarterback, but the message is there. If you don’t 

pressure the passer, Samford can do some damage. 

2CRISP PASSING ATTACK - A precision aerial assault will be at the top of 

the “to-do” list for the Georgia offense. It’s a good bet that Samford will load 

up the front defensively to try and force Georgia’s hand. The Bulldogs will love 

a replay of the second game of last season, when Stetson Bennett had an amazing 

performance against another school from Birmingham, UAB. This could well be a 

Saturday when Georgia leads through the air and counters with the ground attack. 

3SPECIAL TEAMS - The kicking game is always a point of emphasis for 

Smart’s Bulldogs. Jake Camarda left enormous shoes to try and fill in several 

areas - punting, kickoffs and holding. Georgia - no team for that matter - 

doesn’t want to punt at all, but when the time inevitably comes, consistency and 

hang time are essential. Springing a big return when Samford is kicking would be a 

big plus for Georgia as well. 

4BRING IT - In this ‘tweener, coming off the massive national showdown 

with Oregon, and the first Southeastern Conference contest next week at 

steamy South Carolina, the Bulldogs must have the focus on Samford. A 

jam-packed and energetic Sanford Stadium - early and loud - will certainly be a 

huge lift. It’s the first game Between the Hedges since the national championship, 

and the first opportunity for the Bulldogs to add to their dominance at home in the 

sensational Smart era. 

5SNAPS FOR BACKUPS - This is getting greedy, and there is absolutely 

nothing to be taken for granted against Samford and Hatcher. Did we mention 

that Samford scored 52 in Gainesville lst season and led 42-35 at the half? 

But it would be nice to get some meaningful snaps for reserves across the board. 

That goes double at quarterback. There is talent behind Bennett. But no significant 

snaps. Can Georgia play well enough to make that happen Saturday afternoon? 

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THE DAWG BONES 

GEORGIA VS OREGON 

BY CLAY WATKINS 

DAWG BONES OFFENSE – GEORGIA 

Georgia’s offense was expected to make noise this season. With 

so many returning starters on the offensive side of the ball, the 

dominance versus Oregon was just a glimpse of what is to come 

this season. Georgia is quite simply bigger on the offensive line and 

faster on the perimeter. Stetson Bennett has been playing the best 

football of his life dating back to last year’s playoff performances 

which has continued into this season. With Georgia’s offense 

clicking as well as we’ve seen it going back to the Aaron Murray 

days, expect the Bulldogs to score early and often against Samford. 

DAWG BONES DEFENSE – GEORGIA 

The talk all off-season was how “Georgia had lost too many players on 

defense.” Well, as Kirby said at SEC media day “We built this program 

to be sustained,” and that certainly showed. Heading into Week 

Two, the defensive line looks ready to make a statement up front. 

The rotation at inside linebacker should keep guys fresh and ready 

to show pressure. Also, look to see a few interceptions again with 

quarterbacks challenging the Dawgs’ young, but talented corners. 

DAWG BONES SPECIAL TEAMS – GEORGIA 

Georgia has the model of consistency at kicker in Jack Podlesney. 

The St. Simons Island product has a career 82% field goal 

percentage while knocking through the game winners in the Peach 

Bowl as well as crucial field goals in the national championship 

game. Brett Thorson only had one punt attempt against Oregon for 

53 yards that landed inside the 20. The Bulldogs look to once again 

have one of the better kicking units in the country. 

DAWG BONES COACHING – GEORGIA 

After the dominating Oregon victory, Coach Smart described this 

coaching staff as the best coaching staff he has ever had at the 

University of Georgia. Fran Brown has done a remarkable job taking 

a group of inexperienced cornerbacks and making them look like 

veterans. Coach Smart has also made evident how much respect 

he has for co-defensive coordinators Glenn Schumann and Will 

Muschamp. Todd Monken has completely transformed this Georgia 

offense and Todd Hartley might have developed the greatest tight 

end room ever assembled. Chris Hatcher has done a fantastic job 

at Samford with a record of 41-36 since he arrived in 2014, but this 

certainly isn’t close. 

DAWG BONES OVERALL – GEORGIA 

It’s obvious here, but Georgia dominates every category when 

facing Samford. The third ranked Bulldogs made a case this 

weekend that they are the No. 1 team in the country. Expect 

Georgia to impose their will early, showing off their physicality and 

speed to allow the backups to get some valuable minutes. 

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A VIEW FROM ... 

samford 

Blake Gardner is a Samford graduate and sports broadcaster from Birmingham, Alabama. He is 

the sideline reporter for Samford football broadcasts, as well as the play-by-play broadcaster 

for Samford baseball and men’s basketball, as well as Birmingham Legion FC. We greatly 

appreciate Blake’s thoughts and taking the time to lend his expertise to us at BI. 

WHAT ARE SAMFORD’S 

EXPECTATIONS THIS SEASON? 

A lot of people were unsure what to expect 

from Samford this year, and the consensus 

from most outlets put Samford picked 

to finish around 6th in the league, which 

would be a disappointment. But that 

win last Thursday night against a ranked 

Kennesaw State team has Samford fans 

thinking about contending for another 

SoCon title with the likes of Mercer, 

Chattanooga and ETSU. 

EVEN THOUGH IT WOUND UP 

A LOSS, WHAT WAS IT LIKE 

TO JUMP ON FLORIDA LAST 

YEAR AND SCORE 52 POINTS IN 

GAINESVILLE? 

It was so much fun to watch, and I think it 

validated a lot of feelings about just how 

good some of the pieces on last year’s 

offense were. Honestly, I don’t know if 

Montrell Washington gets drafted in the 5th 

round without that game. 322 all purpose 

yards, a kick return TD, a receiving TD and 

a rushing TD! I think that tape opened a 

lot of people’s eyes to what he could be at 

the next level, and was another example 

of how you can still find next-level talent 

in FCS. 

WHAT ARE YOUR STRENGTHS 

THIS SEASON? 

With Chris Hatcher at the helm, it’s almost 

always going to be the explosiveness of 

the offense. Last year Samford had a top 

five offense in FCS again, and even with a 

new QB in JUCO transfer Michael Hiers, this 

year’s offense looks capable of being very 

good as well. After two straight 3-and-outs 

to start the game last Thursday, Samford’s 

offense averaged 7.7 yards per play and 

generated multiple plays of 20+ yards. 

WHAT WOULD SAMFORD NEED 

TO DO TO PULL OFF THE WIN IN 

ATHENS? 

Well I think it starts with that offense we 

were just talking about. As improved as 

Samford looked defensively last week, 

that unit is likely still going to be physically 

overmatched when you look at the size 

and depth of Georgia’s offensive weapons. 

So can Samford string together a couple of 

drives that can give them some confidence 

early, and keep their defense from staying 

on the field for long stretches of time? If so, 

that would go a long way towards keeping 

this game competitive. 

ARE SAMFORD’S FANS EXCITED 

ABOUT COMING TO ATHENS? 

Always. Aside from the outstanding Sanford 

Stadium atmosphere and all the fun things 

to do in Athens, a large portion of Samford’s 

student population hails from Georgia or 

Tennessee, and 33 players on this year’s 

Samford roster hail from the Peach State. 

So many Samford fans grew up Georgia 

fans, and likely still hold some allegiance to 

UGA, so this is one of the most popular FBS 

opponents Samford could play. 

WHAT IS YOUR TAKE ON 

GEORGIA? 

I think Georgia has turned into the model 

of how a college football program can 

consistently compete with Alabama, 

Clemson, and Ohio State at the absolute 

pinnacle of the sport. From recruiting to 

facilities to coaching to alignment off the 

field, it’s been pretty amazing to see what 

Kirby Smart and his staff have been able 

to do in terms of running down and then 

beating the top teams in the nation. 

THERE HAS BEEN RAPID CHANGE 

IN COLLEGIATE ATHLETICS, 

WHAT ARE SOME THINGS YOU 

WOULD LIKE TO SEE DONE 

DIFFERENTLY OR ALTERED? 

I’ll echo what Kirby Smart said at some 

point this past offseason, but there need to 

be some changes to the current recruiting/ 

transfer calendar. If the top programs in the 

nation are complaining about the chaos 

of when kids can enter the portal, when 

coaches can be signed away, etc, then just 

imagine the kind of stress a program like 

Samford is under, who certainly doesn’t 

have the same time or resources an SEC 

program does. I think most people are onboard 

with NIL, with the transfer portal, and 

other recent changes, but some guardrails 

in place for when players and coaches 

alike can and can’t leave, can and can’t be 

engaged in recruiting need to be put in 

place soon. 


GEORGIA GIRLS: SHANNON GENTRY LANIER PG. 24 | BULLDOGS OF THE 4TH ESTATE: DINK NESMITH PG. 32 

SOCIAL 

fan photos PG. 27-36 

Fred Barber, Jaxon Bullard, Buck Barber, Downing, Candace, Mary Brooke Barber, Jack Nasworthy 


GEORGIA GIRLS 

SOCIAL 

1. 

Georgia Girls 

SHANNON GENTRY LANIER 

Cheri Leavy’s rapport with her favorite tastemakers and 

UGA Alumnae brings you plenty of doggone good inspiration! 

Foundation: 

Inspo: 

FAMILY: Husband Troy Lanier (also a Dawg), 

two sons (Dawgs), two English labs (dogs). (1.) 

HOMETOWN: Marietta, Georgia 

CURRENT TOWN: Augusta, Georgia 

WHAT YEARS AT UGA: 1985-1992 

SCHOOL/DEGREE: UGA Grady College 

of Journalism (Broadcast News), UGA Law 

School. 

3. 

Book: The Old Man and the Sea. 

Magazine: Bulldawg 

Illustrated, of course! Garden 

& Gun in the offseason. 

Podcast: Mill House by Andy 

Mill. Tight lines! 

PROFESSION: I joined Gracestone, an 

investment team within Synovus Securities, after a 

lengthy legal career. We craft investment plans for high 

net worth individuals, families and institutional investors. The 

best part of my job? I see real life examples of the American 

Dream every day. Anything is possible in our great country. 

Accolades: 

Blog: Bari Weiss - Common Sense 

(Substack). 

Instagram: New favorite is 

@savannahrosewildlife, a photographer in Jackson Hole. 

Honorable mention to @looknfishy and @bigskyanglers. 

Brand: Help! I should probably identify the 

shoe brand sported this season by my friends 

Lillian Magruder and Caroline Champion. (3) 

ACCOLADES: Defended Aaron Murray on The Paul Finebaum 

Show (1/18/21); Quoted in Dixieland Delight, A Football 

Season on the Road in the Southeastern Conference (p. 139, 

paperback ed.) by Clay Travis (2); Thunderbird Bar & Grill Fan of 

the Year (1997, 1998). 

Fashion designer: Does Kirby count? The 

Natty looks good on us! 

Chef: Whoever cooks the burgers at 

Brogen’s. I assume this person previously 

cooked the frank plate at Allen’s. 

2. 


Athens + UGA: 

Describe Athens in five words or less: 

Allen’s. Cooper’s. Five Points. DAWGS. 

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Restaurants and bars: The National 

(lunch), The Royal Peasant (soccer). Five 

Bar, Porterhouse (Friday night game 

prep). 

Shops: Masada Leather, R. Wood Studio. 

Athens/campus landmark: The Tree 

that Owns Itself, the double-barrelled 

cannon, Sanford Stadium. 

Memory while in school: Everyday 

life on the third floor of the ZTA 

house was a blast, especially with my 

fantastic roommate, Lori Nicholson 

from Homerville. During law school, 

watching the Normaltown Flyers every 

Wednesday night at Allen’s with my 

future roommate / husband was a 

good use of my time. (4) 

4. 

Professor/class: Prof. R. Perry Sentell 

Jr. / Torts. “I think I might / I think I will / 

I’m headed down / to Jacksonville.” Prof. 

Sentell, Friday morning before Georgia 

- Florida, 11/10/89. 

Historical figure: Bulldog Bob, Wally Butts, 

Ernest M. Champion, Sr. 

QUOTE: 

“You’ve got to take the 

emotional risk. And when 

we win, wallow in it. And 

when we lose, accept the 

wound.” Troy Lanier, 

12/22/17, coaching me up 

before the Rose Bowl. 


Gameday ritual/plan: The Clinch 

County Bulldawg Club is a nationallyrecognized 

tailgating organization, and 

I’m honored to be First Assistant to the 

Tailgate Chair, Jeff Brown. My specialty 

is logistics - tents, tables and chairs. 

Due to strict quality control measures, I 

do not have any food assignments. (5) 

Tailgate Recipe: Our tailgate specialty 

is Meat on a Stick from Homerville. The 

recipe is a closely-guarded secret. 

5. 

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DINK NESMITH 

Bulldawg Illustrated continues its new series, featuring long-time UGA personalities of the Fourth Estate. There are many who are published authors along 

with network television superstars. Our third installment highlights the Dawg-loving newspaperman and prolific prose writer, Dink NeSmith. 

While I am not sure what Dink NeSmith considers his 

chief occupation to be, I think it fair to say that he has a 

journalist’s bent that keeps him happy as a writer, but he 

is also a publisher who enjoys a healthy bottom line. 

Few newspapermen in our state have written with his passion and have 

succeeded on the business side with his canny financial sense that has 

made his balance sheet substantial when it comes to assets. He has a 

degree from the Henry Grady College of Journalism, but he would have 

flourished just as famously had he pursued a business degree from the 

Terry College of Business. 

Perhaps, what this man has become is best described in his official 

biography: “In 1958, Dink NeSmith was 10 years old and already active in 

the newspaper business. When the 3:00 o’clock bell rang at the Orange 

Street Elementary School, he would jump on his bike and race seven 

blocks to the back door of the Jesup Sentinel. There he would buy a stack 

of the weekly newspapers for a nickel each. Pedaling as fast as he could, 

he rushed to meet the shift change at the Sea Island Shirt Factory. As the 

women left work, he turned his nickels into dimes before the ink dried on 

the latest edition of the local news.” 

Like the lawyer who becomes an avid fly fisherman or a banker who 

tends the best vegetable garden in town, Dink’s most fulfilling moment 

each week—even into retirement—is to put words on paper that bring 

him an emotional lift that satiates his soul. It makes his day to make 

someone out there in his vast circles feel good. 

As an editorialist, he is all about taking politicians to task when there is 

wrongdoing or supporting honesty in government, but there is local staff to 

do that. What he prefers is to write about is a kid scoring three touchdowns 

in a Friday night game and then getting up Saturday morning and reporting 

for his part time job so he can buy a used car to take his favorite girl to the 

homecoming dance. Somebody’s niece who wins the local line dancing 

contest, somebody who grew the biggest watermelon in summer. 

Although he lives in Athens, Dink will always consider Jesup, where he 

grew up, home. If you have ever driven through Jesup and were moved 

to say something nice about the seat of Wayne County, you are his friend 

for life. Same with the University of Georgia. He doesn’t have much of a bad 

side, but if you want an arch enemy in your life, just denigrate UGA and the 

Bulldogs. The best way to become his friend is to befriend the Dawgs. 

Lately, he has been beside himself almost daily because of Stetson Bennett 

IV bringing unending glory to ‘Ol Georgia. Dink can’t wait for the next Stetson 

accolade, the next game when No. 13—the little train that thought it could 

aficionado—continues to be the David who slays SEC Goliaths. 

Before we get too carried about the emotional side of this native 

Georgian, we need not to hide his credentials and his resume under a 

blanket. For the record, he was graduated from UGA in 1970. He is past 

president of the Georgia Press Association, chairman emeritus of the 

board of directors of the Fanning Leadership Institute. He is past chairman 

of the Richard B. Russell Foundation and emeritus member of the UGA 

Athletic Association Board of Directors and emeritus trustee of the UGA 

Foundation. He was appointed to the University System Board of Regents 

by Gov. Sonny Perdue and has served as chairman of this august group. 

His wife Pam, has a distinguished career in her own right, having 

been co-founder of “The Bottleworks” in Athens and is owner of Historic 

Smithsonia Farm in Oglethorpe County. The Nesmith’s three children— 

Allan, Emily N. Wilson, and Eric are attached to the family businesses 

some way—a tight knit family if there ever was one, all with UGA degrees 

and hearts that bleed Red and Black. 

Dink is co-owner of the Athens based Community Newspapers, Inc., 

publisher of two dozen newspapers in Georgia, Florida, and North 

Carolina. Recently he took over and revived the Oglethorpe Echo, which 

had left Oglethorpe Country, a nice place with overpowering political 

connections dating back to the early days of this country, without a 

weekly newspaper. 

A proponent of the notion that putting out an interesting and 

informative newspaper is to be appreciated, but there is a fact-of-life saw 

that must be habitually honored. One must pay his bills, regardless of his 

business philosophy. 

In today’s world, Dink NeSmith is gainfully employed in a business 

where failure has become rampant. Every week, as he makes his banker 

smile, he is writing a pretty piece of down-home prose that warms hearts 

throughout his numerous constituencies. 


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STATS THAT MATTER PG. 43 | JD’S TOP 15 PG. 45 | BUTLER’S PLAYERS PG. 46 

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... 7 POSSESSIONS - 

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PHOTO BY: MADDY ANDERSSON 


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FOOTBALL 

FROM THE FIELD 

BY GREG POOLE 

GEORGIA - 49, OREGON - 3 


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Oregon is not a bad team. Yes, they got their heads handed 

to them by the Dawgs in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game, but 

Dan Lanning’s Ducks will motor through the PAC-12 and 

end the year with a respectable record. That said, Georgia 

dominated impressively. 

The odds makers expected Oregon to lose, but not by 46 

points. That margin of victory suggests that Oregon was 

overrated (along with the Dawgs being underrated), and the 

Ducks will crash in the rankings after the stunning margin of 

the Georgia win. It will be interesting to see where the Ducks 

rank after a few PAC-12 games. Maybe they will hear chants 

of “o-ver-ra-ted” as they drive through the schedule, but after 

seeing the Dawgs’ performance Saturday night, it may be 

that Georgia was simply underrated. 

How dominant were the Dawgs? The numbers tell the tale: 

49 points, 571 total yards, 90 percent conversion rate on 

third down, and points scored on 7 out of 8 drives. Not too 

shabby for a team starting a quarterback almost universally 

ignored by the QB ratings published in the run-up to the 

season. 

Stetson Bennett should have won over the entire fan base 

by now, but we all know there are still doubters and fencesitters. 

Twitter user @dawgsontop2017 posted a short stat 

sheet that might help: 

Bennett’s last three opponents have been Michigan, 

Alabama, and Oregon. Stetson’s cumulative stats for those 

three games? How about 62 of 87 (71.3%) for 908 yards 

(10.43 yards per attempt), scoring seven touchdowns with 

zero interceptions? Oh, he also had a rushing touchdown. 

While talking quarterbacks, Carson Beck shows the growth 

manifested by the staff’s confidence in him. It is more about 

the absence of wide-panicky-eyes when no one is open - he 

has always had the arm. Bennett’s steely confidence may be 

rubbing off on him. 

Of course, it might be that both quarterbacks show the 

benefits of championship-level facilities and coaching. The 

explanation that involves work and money is usually correct. 


STATS THAT 

MATTER 

GEORGIA – 49 

OREGON - 3 

BY: COBY SERINA 

A look back at what decided the game 

between Georgia and Oregon. 

The Georgia Bulldogs’ 2022 football season 

began in extravagant fashion in Atlanta. 

A fair share of people were expecting the 

Dawgs to come out on top over the Ducks, 

but not to the extremes at which they did. 

The final score of last Saturday’s matchup 

was an astonishing 49-3. To put that into 

perspective the spread of the game was 

17 points, and Georgia won by a margin of 

46. Not only did the Dawgs leave the Benz 

victorious, they left having established a 

new identity. 

In last year’s season opener, Georgia’s 

defensive front laid waste to Clemson’s 

offensive line, ushering that unit into 

49-3 

the spotlight. After amassing seven 

quarterback sacks, all eyes were on Georgia 

and their “generational defense,” and 

from that point onward they continued 

to dominate the line of scrimmage day in 

and day out. Beating Oregon the way they 

did, it will be no surprise to see Georgia’s 

offense take a similar route into the 

national spotlight. 

368 

In total, the Bulldogs threw for 439 total 

yards, but 368 of those can be attributed 

to Stetson Bennett before being pulled out 

of the game with five minutes left in the 

3rd quarter. The senior is starting his final 

season in Athens with a bang, setting the 

tone for the rest of the season. 368 yards 

surpasses last year’s average passing yards 

per game (252) by over 100 yards and 

serves as a career mark for most passing 

yards in a game for Bennett. Remember 

that this showing was done against a Dan 

Lanning led defense. 

5.5 

Not only was the Georgia offense 

productive 

5.5 

through the air, they were 

successful on the ground. Though the 

explosiveness wasn’t quite there, the 

ground game was effective to say the 

least. Averaging yards per carry is an 

impressive feat in itself, but to do it against 

a top 11 nationally ranked opponent is 

something else. Coming into that game, 

one of Oregon’s most illustrious position 

groups was the linebacker duo they fielded 

in Noah Sewell and Justin Flowe. Known for 


STETSON BENNETT 


their flashy athleticism and highlight-play 

tackles, they were expected to put a dent 

into Georgia’s plans, but Coach Smart said 

it best, “You’re either elite, or you’re not.” 

117 

This number was the yardage result behind 

a career game for senior running back 

Kenny McIntosh, but these yards didn’t 

come on the ground. Against Oregon, 

McIntosh caught nine passes for 117 total 

receiving yards (a good bit of which came 

after catch) which lead the team. With 

James Cook off to the NFL, Georgia had 

a hole to fill at pass-catching back, but 

McIntosh appears to have assumed the 

position with ease. His ability to get upfield 

after the catch is impressive and looks 

similar to Georgia great, D’Andre Swift. 

McIntosh had defenders looking silly out 

there; he has a knack for making the first 

guy miss. 

368 

571 

Whether it was through the air or on the 

ground, the Dawgs were getting it done 

when the ball was in their hands. Georgia 

didn’t even have to field a punter until 

the 4th quarter because they scored 

touchdowns on their first seven drives. 

Coach Todd Monken kept Oregon on 

their toes to say the least; at one point the 

leading rusher was Ladd McConkey and at 

the end of the game Kenny McIntosh had 

the most receiving yards. Finding multiple 

ways to attack a defense is key, and the 

Dawgs proved they could do it against real 

competition in Oregon. What really stood 

out was the passing game. Stetson Bennett 

threw for 368 yards before getting pulled 

with 5 minutes left in the 3rd quarter. It 

compels fans to imagine what else he has 

to offer. 

43 ISSUE FOUR • SAMFORD 

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FOOTBALL 

MORE SPORTS 

JD’S TOP 15 

— Jeff Dantzler 

Labor Day weekend is in the rearview mirror. It takes forever for the 

season to get here. It will be Halloween and then Thanksgiving before 

you know it. So enjoy every snap. I love the high profile season openers. 

Georgia had the most impressive win. Ohio State and Florida both took 

down top 10 opponents. The SEC is absolutely stacked, posting a 13-1 

record in Week One. 

1. GEORGIA - The defending national champion 

Bulldogs put on one of the most impressive 

performances of any team this past weekend, 

taking down No. 11 Oregon 49-3. Stetson Bennett 

had a Heisman caliber showing. Georgia hosts Samford 

Saturday afternoon. 

2. ALABAMA - The Crimson Tide tuned up with 

Utah State, which went 11-3 last season, and 

now get ready for Texas in Austin. The Longhorns 

are trying to make a statement. Alabama is aiming for 

domination. Nick Saban will have the Tide on point. 

3. OHIO STATE - The Buckeyes rallied in the 

second half with a pair of touchdowns to come 

back and beat Notre Dame in Columbus 21-10. Ohio 

State’s defense was really good, then the offense got its legs. 

Arkansas State visits the Horseshoe Saturday. 

4. CLEMSON - We went to press prior to the 

Tigers game on Labor Day night against the Yellow 

Jackets. That game should kick off no later than 

6 p.m.. Clemson’s defensive line is exceptional. 

Quarterback play, you can say this for so many teams, is vital 

for the Tigers. 

5. BRIGHAM YOUNG - The Cougars opened 

up in the heat at South Florida, and were very 

impressive in a 50-21 win. The stage is set for a 

huge battle with Baylor in Provo Saturday night. 

This one could have major bowl implications. 

6. FLORIDA - The Gators picked up a monster 

29-26 win over Utah to open up the Billy Napier era 

in Gainesville. Now comes another big game in The 

Swamp. The Gators host Kentucky Saturday night, 

with the winner getting an early leg up in the SEC East. 

7. TEXAS A&M - The Aggies got off to a winning 

start, beating Sam Houston State in the season 

opener. Appalachian State comes to College 

Station on Saturday. The A&M faithful have great 

expectations for a tremendous season in 2022. 

8. NOTRE DAME - The Fighting Irish were right 

there at Ohio State, leading for much of the game. 

But Notre Dame just couldn’t sustain enough 

offensively, and the Buckeyes won 21-10. In terms of the 

playoff, there’s no margin for error now. Marshall visits 

Saturday. 

9. SOUTHERN CAL - The Lincoln Riley era got off 

to a high scoring start, as the Trojans cooked Rice 

66-14. USC plays one of its big rivals - the other 

PAC-12 California private school - Stanford on the 

farm Saturday. It will be tough and physical. 

10. TENNESSEE - The Volunteers took down Ball 

State 59-10 on Thursday night, buying a couple of extra 

days for the Johnny Majors Bowl in Steel Town. Pitt took 

a thriller from Tennessee last year to set the tone for a big 

year. The Vols want the same this season. 

11. OKLAHOMA - The Brent Venables era got off 

to a winning start against UTEP 45-13. Kent State, 

which comes to Athens later this month, is next on 

the slate in Norman. Not the most challenging start 

for the Sooners. 

12. MICHIGAN - The Wolverines first three 

games could be the easiest of any major program. 

Michigan took down Colorado State 51-7 in the 

opener. Next comes Hawaii, which lost to Vandy 63- 

10. Then Michigan hosts UConn, which went 1-11 last year. 

13. ARKANSAS - The Razorbacks got a nice top 

25 showdown victory over Cincinnati, topping 

the Bearcats 31-24. Now comes the SEC opener, 

in a high noon showdown with South Carolina, 

which won its opener over Georgia State. Sam Pittman has 

the Hogs smiling. 

14. BAYLOR - The Bears rolled past Albany 69-10 

to open the season. Baylor is one of the favorites in 

the Big XII this season. Now they step into the big 

leagues, taking on Brigham Young in what should be 

a great one Saturday night in Provo. 

15. OREGON - The Ducks were dominated 49-3 by 

Georgia in Atlanta in the season opener. Oregon will 

try to wipe that one from the memory banks and take 

on FCS powerhouse Eastern Washington. Then comes 

a huge game with BYU. 

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FOOTBALL 

KEVIN BUTLER’S PLAYERS OF THE GAME 

Each week, Georgia and Chicago 

Bears Hall of Fame legend Kevin 

Butler picks his Players of the 

Game. A member of numerous 

Halls of Fame and holder of 

a slew of records, Butler cohosts 

DawgTalk on Georgia 

Football Saturdays and the 

famous Bulldog Brunch from 

the Hilltop Grille on Sundays. — 

COMPILED BY JEFF DANTZLER 

OFFENSIVE PLAYER 

Stetson Bennett - Well I guess you have to be a True Bulldog 

to label this “Mailman” as the frontrunner in the race for the 

Heisman, but that is what I am doing. Mail the Heisman to 

UGA now and let us get on to winning another Natty. Stetson 

picked up where he left off last year, playing as efficiently as a 

QB can against the Ducks. The advantage UGA possesses with 

Stetson at QB has finally gained the respect from all outside 

of the loyal UGA family. Stetson was on his game, leading 

the offense to a 42-3 lead, completing 25 /31 for 368 yards 

for two TDs and one rushing TD. His ability to roll through his 

reads brings a different dimension to a very explosive offense 

- being able to get everyone involved and causing defensive 

confusion, which leads to Dawg points! Stetson threw to 10 

different receivers and that’s what we have to look forward to 

throughout the season.The Mailman delivers! 

DEFENSIVE PLAYER 

Christopher Smith - Mr. Smith made his presence known in the first game 

of 2022 in the same fashion he did in the 2021 game against Clemson, with 

a back breaking interception that led to another score. His quick reaction 

over the middle to intercept Bo Nix’s pass really turned the momentum to 

Georgia! Christopher Smith is a game-changing player and a tremendous 

safety who recorded six tackles with three solos and his interception, 

leading Georgia to a 21 point lead that only increased with every minute. 

One play that Chris turned in was a vicious hit he put on Oregon’s receiver 

that jarred the ball free for an incomplete pass. Smith had a tough time 

with a stinger in that left shoulder after that hit but got up and continued 

to play like a champion. He is one of our leaders on defense and a Stud! 

SPECIAL TEAM PLAYER 

Jack Podlesny - I was very concerned about the loss of Jake 

Camarda due to his kickoffs going in and out of the end zone and 

the capability to flip the field on punts - Well not anymore! Jack 

Podlesny boomed the kickoffs just as effectively as Jake did last year 

only, allowing one return to the 14 yard line. Great hang time and 

placement by Jack gave the Bulldogs a consistent defensive starting 

point, that is always the first defensive play. Pod gave the Bulldogs 

seven extra points while breaking in a new holder - none other 

than Stetson Bennett. Pod is also playing a key role in keeping Brett 

Thorson comfortable trying to replace Jake’s punts. He had a great 

start as well, averaging 53 net yards on one punt. Pod will win some 

games for the Dawgs in 2022! 

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